Hamilton is Human Too

It’s no secret that Josh Hamilton made a mistake back in January.  Not even to himself.  As I and many of you, I am sure, have read in the past few weeks, he admitted his fault.  Hamilton knew immediately what he had done was not right and he was honest with those that matter most in his life.  He did not hold it inside and let his family, teammates, MLB or the Texas Rangers organization find out about the incident a few weeks ago when the photos of his indescretion were leaked to the public.  He knew he screwed up and he owned up to it immediately.  That is an impressive quality in any individual these days. 

If anyone would dare call Hamilton’s character, integrity or faith in Christ into question because of this particular incident all I can say is shame on that person.  Seriously.  Being a vocal and devoted follower of God as Hamilton is, that does not eliminate the chances for relapses into the behaviors that he was previous enslaved by that nearly cost him everything.  Nor does it ensure he won’t screw up, make mistakes or decisions that are less than stellar.

A mistake is a mistake.  A poor decision, just the same.  Honestly, for as much coverage as Hamilton’s relapse is getting, I do not believe that anyone is applauding what he did.  As no one should really, but we all need to look at how he handled himself and the situation as well.  That is what we all need to applaud.  The integrity of a man who has a past with drugs and alcohol standing up in the face of a poor decision and saying “I messed up”.  Yes he screwed up but how can you fault the guy when he made no secret about it? 

However, if anyone is calling him any negative names or calling him a hypocrite, I really disagree with that approach.  It is the fall of human nature to make less than stellar decisions on a constant basis.  It is what we do in the face of those times and how we handle ourselves that should be the focus of our discussions.  Not all of them obviously will be as significant as a relapse by a former alcoholic.  Who is so unfortunate to exist during the age of camera phones and digital cameras.

People make mistakes.  No matter if they are an athlete, doctor, teacher, pastor, grocery store clerk, performer, law enforcement or student.  NEWSFLASH: Humans screw up, all the time!  Hamilton is every bit a human as you and I.  Yes it is unfortunate that he made this type of mistake but let’s not take him out and whip him for it.  Jesus already took that kind of punishment.  For me.  For you.  And yes, for Josh. 

Mistakes are going to be made.  Always.  Unfortunately for Hamilton, with the fame he has for both his baseball talents and his past, his will be put under major scrutiny always.  More than the average Joe.  Not only do his baseball talent and past create this for him but also being an outspoken Christian in the sports world, he leaves himself open to that much harsher criticism. 

Josh Hamilton is a son, father, brother, husband, friend, pro athlete, recovering alcoholic and drug addict, and a devoted follower of the Lord.  Before he can be any of those, Josh Hamilton is a person.  As such, he will make mistakes.  Just like you and I.  It is what we as humans do and why we ultimately are all in need of God’s infinite grace, every day.